Howdy, friends!
Have you ever seen the dreaded chipped paint on your favorite non-stick pan, or the rust marks that send your hopes for dinner down the drain?
We’ve been there, and it’s a sad, sad day.
That’s why it’s important that we invest in affordable quality vs. cheap quantity, so that when the day comes that we need to go all Rapunzel with our pans, we’re ready!
Okay, maaaaybe our girl ‘Punzel is a little excessive with her skillet, but you get the gist!
The holy grail of cookware is All-Clad pans, but at over $900 a set, it’s not a practical goal for most of us.
Thankfully, there are plenty of other fish in the sea, and finding a realistic alternative for All-Clad is achievable with some research.
🍳 The Lowdown
There are loads of options when it comes to All-Clad dupes, but it’s important that we break down definitions when it comes to clad, stainless steel, etc. so that we know exactly what we’re looking for and what we should and shouldn’t buy.
Clad. 🍳 When sheets of metal are layered into cookware. If only the bottom of the pan is multilayered metal, then it’s just clad. When it’s the sides and the bottom, it’s fully clad. Fully clad pans are more reliable, durable, and can withstand more intense cooking heat. The average lifespan of a fully clad pan is 10-15 years, and we highly recommend CuiseArt’s 12 piece cookware set for an All-Clad dupe that will withstand the test of time!
3-ply/triply. 🥘 Triple layered material (sheets of stainless steel with aluminum in the middle) that is known for its even heat distribution and versatility! Triply cookware typically uses less oil than 5-ply or other cookware, which makes it a great choice for those who spend most of their time in the kitchen. Check out Cephalon’s cookware set for a triply superstar!
Stainless steel. ✨ An alloy of metals that are combined to make highly durable pots & pans. Some people prefer non-stick cookware because they find stainless steel difficult to clean, but if you get your pan up to temperature before cooking with it and invest in a $2.29 bottle of Bar Keeper’s Friend, these stainless steel pans will last. Keep in mind: non-stick cookware tends to rust, flake, and break down in a very short period of time. Affordable quality over cheap quantity, my friends.
Dutch oven. 🍲 We’ve spent most of this talking about pots & pans, but what about our favorite cookware for stews & soups?! A Dutch oven is a deep pot designed for slow cooking and braising, but is versatile enough you can still saute with the bottom portion of the pan prior to making your stew. A Dutch oven is essential in any household for creating a hearty meal, and this Dutch oven by Tia Mowry will have you dreaming of your next fall soup recipe 😍
👩🏻🍳 Now that we’ve done all that research, who has time for meal prep? Let Cooksmarts handle dinner tonight! Cooksmarts is a women-owned business that generates a fully customizable meal plan for your family, and creates a complete grocery list for you to take to the store. No more “I forgot the milk!” again. Sign up for their fourteen day free trial & let decision fatigue be a thing of the past. **
Spending is a skill and you can learn to master it. If you’ve ever struggled with being unable to stick to a budget or felt guilty about spending on something you enjoy, Jen and Jill’s upcoming book is going to be your next favorite read.
Grab your pre-order gifts. Free With EVERY pre-order. 🥳
Kind;y,
Kim
P.S. We’d love to see your DIY costumes and decor, so please tag us on Instagram @frugalfriendspodcast!
⭐️⭐️ P.S. Want to share all this goodness with your friends AND earn cool Frugal Friends merch?
**Means this is a sponsored or affiliate section. We may earn a small fee or commission when you choose to try one of our sponsor or affiliate partners. But opinions are still 1000% our own.
